Joy That Lights The Way

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“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” — Psalm 119:105

I got most of the Christmas presents I'm giving wrapped last night, which is not easy for me because I am absolutely the worst present wrapper.  

The only thing that mitigated my struggle with measuring how much wrapping paper to use, and the battle with a decrepit tape dispenser that caused the tape to mostly get wrapped around my finger before I had a chance to affix it to the packages, was this: 

I knew that I would experience great joy watching my family unwrap them all.  

In addition to being the worst present wrapper, I'm also terrible at waiting for the day when the Christmas gifts I'm giving are actually given.  I have to resist telling people what I got them beforehand, and wish that I could find a way to give them earlier than the appointed day.  

I'm like Scrooge after he is visited by the three spirits in A Christmas Carol. I want to keep Christmas every day of the year.  Mostly, I'd rather not defer joy, because these days it's hard to come by.  

At any rate, I'll wait.  And do my best to live in anticipation because, after all, that's what Advent teaches us.  I'm still learning this, but I've been thinking more about it lately.  

We usually think of joy as the result of arrival—when things finally work out, when prayers are answered, when the season shifts. But in Scripture, joy often appears before clarity, before resolution, guiding the faithful through uncertainty like a lamp in the dark.

Joy is illumination. It allows us to see beyond the immediate. It keeps us moving when we don’t yet know the destination. It is the assurance that God is already present on the road ahead.

Advent joy shines before the dawn of Christmas. Mary sang before she saw fulfillment. The shepherds rejoiced before understanding the significance of the child they worshiped. The Magi rejoiced exceedingly when they saw the star again—because joy told them that their journey was not in vain.

Where do you need joy to light your way? Perhaps in decisions you’re making, burdens you’re carrying, or hopes you are afraid to name. Joy does not remove the unknown—it helps us walk through it. It reminds us that God’s presence is our compass.

Joy is not loud; it is luminous. It does not shout—it shines. It steadies steps, softens fear, and keeps the heart open to possibility. It whispers, “Keep going—God is here.”

Advent teaches us to follow joy as a guiding star, trusting that God is already working, already arriving, already redeeming.

Let joy be your light today—not sentimental cheerfulness but Divine assurance that God is active, close, and good.

Prayer

God of all joy, light our way with Your presence. When the path feels dim or uncertain, help us see by the light of Your faithfulness. Open our hearts to joy that guides, steadies, and strengthens us. May we walk today with confidence in Your nearness. Amen.

Reflection Questions

  1. Where do you need joy to illuminate your path or decisions?

  2. How is joy different from happiness when it functions as guidance rather than reaction?

  3. What practices help you notice joy as God’s presence rather than emotion?


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